November CB6 General Meeting

Community Board 6 gathered on November 14 for their monthly general board meeting at the 78th precinct. In attendance were some real politicians, including Assembly member Walter Mosley, Assistant Speaker Felix Ortiz, State Senator Kevin Parker and Assembly member Jo Anne Simon.

District Manager Michael Racioppo reminded those in attendance that there will be a special election for New York City Public Advocate in February. Chairperson Sayar Lonial also elaborated on the third proposal, regarding community boards on the most recent ballot, during his chairperson’s report. This proposal, which would impose an eight-year term limit on members of New York City’s community boards, passed with about 70-percent of voters bubbling in “yes” on the ballot. With this law now becoming effective, Lionel said that, while eight years seems far away to think about, it will quickly approach.

“I’m going to encourage all of our chairs to please reach out to your community because, as I’ve stated repeatedly, committees are where the work happens and where training happens for the next community board members,” he said. “I think it’s really important that we start thinking about our future and making sure our communities remain empowered.”

In other news, all committee recommendations made in October were approved. These included motions to green light new on-premises liquor license applications for Cavo Greco (251 Van Brunt Street) and Collective Arts USA LTD (529 3rd Avenue). CB6 members also approved the motion to disapprove the application to rezone 75 and 79 Hamilton Avenue and 41 Summit Street for development of a 10,000 sq. ft., seven story residential building with seven units – citing that it would be out-of-scale with the neighborhood and would be much taller than surrounding buildings.

Mosley informed the audience that the 6th Annual Youth Job Fair and Career Expo will take place in mid-January. Simon spoke about training, technology and law issues at poll sites this past Election Day, including paper ballots, scanners and same-day voting policies, as well as the negative repercussions that will result when the Brooklyn Heights Promenade closes. Parker spoke about sustainable energy laws and briefly mentioned his thoughts on congestive pricing. Ortiz mainly spoke about NYCHA heating issues.